Elizabeth Jean Philipps (born June 25, 1979), known professionally as Busy Philipps, is an American film actress, perhaps best known for her supporting roles on the television series Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek. She has also performed significant roles in films like The Smokers (2000), as Karen Carter, the drama film Home Room (2002) as Alicia Browning, she appeared in White Chicks (2004), played a supporting role in Made of Honor (2008) and appeared in He's Just Not That Into You (2009), starring Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore. Currently, she plays Laurie Keller in the television series Cougar Town.[1]
Philipps was born in Oak Park, Illinois. Her parents gave her the nickname Busy because, as an infant, she was always moving, and the nickname stuck; it even appears on her driver's license. She attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. She attended Loyola Marymount University at the same time as former boyfriend Colin Hanks and Linda Cardellini.
Philipps worked the toy-fair circuit as a real-life Barbie before making her show-business debut. Her first major role was as the part of Kim Kelly in Freaks and Geeks, in which she appeared in 17 of 18 episodes, the exception was the episode titled "Chokin' & Tokin'". She later made her film debut in comedy The Smokers in 2000, as well as various other cameos on television.
In 2001, Philipps was cast as Audrey Liddell in the teen drama Dawson's Creek. She was a series regular in seasons 5 and 6, appearing in 46 episodes, before the show finished in 2003. Her role of Audrey earned Philipps a Teen Choice Awards nomination in the category of "TV - Choice Sidekick".[2] She was later ranked #58 on the Maxim Hot 100 Women of 2001.[3] Philipps later appeared in two films, Home Room (2002) and White Chicks (2004). She was cast in the UPN sitcom Love, Inc., in a role originally intended for Shannen Doherty. The show lasted for one season (2005-2006) before being cancelled. In 2006, she had a major recurring role as Hope Bobeck on ER. During her second year on ER, her character headed to South America to "fulfill her Christian mission".[4] Philipps had a co-credit for the storyline of the 2007 comedy film Blades of Glory.[5] A year later, Philipps returned to being in front of the camera with her supporting role in Made Of Honor.
While pregnant with her first child, Philipps taped scenes for The Sarah Connor Chronicles.[6] Philipps also made a brief appearance in He's Just Not That Into You as the character of Kelli Ann. Currently, Philipps plays Laurie Keller in the television series Cougar Town.
Philipps married Marc Silverstein in 2007. She is an avid Tori Amos fan. Philipps is the godmother of Matilda Rose Ledger, daughter of actor Heath Ledger and actress Michelle Williams; actor Jake Gyllenhaal is the godfather. Busy Philipps gave birth to Birdie Leigh Silverstein, on Wednesday, August 13, 2008.[7] Actress Lizzy Caplan is the godmother of Birdie.
